Hard Nights by Roy Adams is a fascinating and atmospheric first hand account of a man with a zest for life, that took him from his boyhood in the dark days of the 'blitz' to becoming the best known and most successful nightclub owner in 'The City of Culture' Liverpool.

Roy takes the reader on an epic journey describing in detail his days as a physique enthusiast influenced by muscular stars like Spencer Churchill, Hubert Thomas, Steve Reeves and the man who was Arnold Schwarzenegger's inspiration, Reg Park. Becoming a Guardsman, describing his adventures and dirty deeds at the Tower of London, also as a high diver attached to a circus. Onward he presses from nightclub bouncer to owner and entrepeneur.

During his journey he meets and mixes with a calvacade of famous personalities, Merseyside stars and recording artists.
Last man to own the famous Cavern Club, Roy has some untold stories about the Fabulous Four and their mentor Brian Epstein.

With a talent for art Roy also knew many fledling musicians and entertainers. Names like Jimmy Tarbuck, Freddie Star, Cilla Black etc., all have tread the same path. By the mid Sixties Liverpool could boast amusic group population of near 10,000 such was its popularity.

Be still for a moment and you can almost hear the 'scouse' dialect and special sense of humour. Take in the sounds, smells and excitement of the nights on the door, the body builders, boxers, martial artists, the tough guys, characters and gangsters in the casinos. laugh at incidents like when Father Christmas had to take a knocking, or when the army dentist pulled out one of Roys perfect teeth, as he needed one for a set he was making.

It is a story that had to be told and must be read. Settle down and enjoy Hard Nights and relive the magic and excitement of the Mersey Beat. From Presley, pop and punk to all that Jazz. It's a cracker.

Review by award winning journalist and physical culture historian
David Gentle.
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